Mandatory licensing for landlords
One in five households in Northern Ireland now rent privately for the first time in a generation, at present all private landlords who let property under a private tenancy in Northern Ireland have to register, but there is no binding professional standard or training required to practice as a property manager.
In response to the Department for Social Development’s review of the private rented sector, the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) Northern Ireland, says there is a need for mandatory licensing of landlords and that licensing of private landlords and letting agents would drive up standards.
The organisation has also called on the government to establish a low-cost dispute resolution service for tenants and landlords and “better incentives” for landlords to improve.
According to a report by 24dash.com CIH Northern Ireland director Nicola McCrudden said: “More and more people are now calling privately rented houses their homes – one in five Northern Ireland households now rent privately for the first time in a generation.
“So it’s vital that every tenant has a good quality home which is professionally managed. While standards are generally good it’s not the case throughout the sector and tenants at the lower end of the market are having to put up with very poor conditions.
“Apart from the need for licensing, the existing regulation is very sensible but it is not always properly enforced because councils don’t have enough resources. Housing rights, management and standards of accommodation in privately rented homes all need to be given high priority within councils.”
To see the 24dash.com report in full click here
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